PHILADELPHIA -- Jim Johnson, whose attacking defenses helped the Philadelphia Eagles to one Super Bowl appearance and five NFC title games, has died. He was 68.

Johnson had taken a leave of absence from the team in May as he continued to battle a cancerous tumor on his spine. The Eagles announced his death on Tuesday afternoon.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson had taken a leave of absence from the team in May as he continued to battle a cancerous tumor on his spine.
A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson was considered one of the top defensive minds in the league, known for complex schemes that confused opponents and pressured the quarterback from every angle. His defenses consistently ranked among the best in the league, including last season, when the Eagles finished third in total defense and fell one victory short of the Super Bowl.

From 2000-08, Johnson's Philadelphia defenses ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390). During his 10-year tenure, the Eagles made the playoffs seven times and he produced 26 Pro Bowl selections.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4362252

I'm no Eagles fan, but you have to admire the schemes Johnson devised. As much as I don't like to watch McNabb play, I loved to watch the defense.

OK, Lars, Poli, let the pissing contest begin.:D

Phillygirl

07-29-2009, 01:45 PM

Very nice man. Last year I plowed down his mailbox and lamppost. He called me from Florida to ask how I was doing.

My condolences to his family. He and his wife really seemed to be class acts.

Rebel Yell

07-29-2009, 01:48 PM

Very nice man. Last year I plowed down his mailbox and lamppost. He called me from Florida to ask how I was doing.

My condolences to his family. He and his wife really seemed to be class acts.

When he found out you were a lawyer, he probably called to make sure you wouldn't sue him for putting the mailbox there. Just kidding. That was nice of him to call.

linda22003

07-29-2009, 01:52 PM

Never heard of him, but it sounds like a dreadful way to go.

Phillygirl

07-29-2009, 02:35 PM

When he found out you were a lawyer, he probably called to make sure you wouldn't sue him for putting the mailbox there. Just kidding. That was nice of him to call.

Heh! I didn't know who he was. His neighbor, (whose mailbox, lightpost, and electrical box I likewise took out) told me. But he and his wife really were very nice. I'm sure they were also thankful that I didn't land in their dining room, as that was the route I was on, if not for the electrical box.